Lightweight structural finish

ABSTRACT

A lightweight finish composition, method of production and a method of application are provided. The lightweight finish composition comprises a resin dispersion or emulsion, alkali metal phosphate, alkylolammonium salt of a polyfunctional polymer, and lightweight aggregate such as silica spheres. The lightweight aggregate has a density and weight that is less than those of sand. The combination of alkali metal phosphate and alkylolammonium salt of a polyfunctional polymer stabilizes the lightweight finish composition and may prevent the lightweight aggregate from continuously absorbing water over time, after production of the lightweight finish composition.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 12/422,768, filed on Apr. 13, 2009, which is a divisional application of U.S. Ser. No. 11/055,351 filed Feb. 10, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,538,152, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS) are multi-layered exterior wall systems that are used on both commercial buildings and homes. EIFS typically comprise the following components: insulation board made of polystyrene or polyisocyanurate foam, which is secured to the exterior wall surface with a specially formulated adhesive and/or mechanical attachment; a durable water-resistant base coat, which is applied on top of the insulation and reinforced with fiberglass mesh for added strength; and a usually textured and durable finish coat typically produced using an acrylic co-polymer technology.

The finish coat composition usually contains, in addition to the co-polymer, an aggregate that is used for the appearance and durability of the finish coat composition. The coatings used as the outermost layer in EIFS are typically supplied in 5-gallon pails that weigh about 70 pounds each. The heavy weight of the pails slows down the productivity of the workers during application of the finish.

To reduce the weight of these finish compositions the aggregate component has been partially replaced with a lighter material to form a lightweight finish. Lightweight finishes utilize naturally occurring aggregates such as perlite, hyperlite, vermiculite, expanded clay and pumice stone. Due to their high porosity, coating these minerals with silicone is one method employed to prevent the absorption of water and thickening of the textured finish in the prior art. If the light weight naturally occurring aggregate is not completely coated or the coating is somehow compromised, shelf life problems can occur due to the excessive viscosity of the packaged finish composition.

Therefore, it is desirable to provide a finish composition which is lightweight but does not become excessively viscous after addition of the lightweight aggregate. Additionally, it may be desirable to provide a lightweight aggregate which is not coated but still allows the finish coating to maintain a stable viscosity over a period of time.

A lightweight finish composition is provided that comprises a resin dispersion or emulsion, a combination of an alkali metal phosphate (AMP) and an alkylolammonium salt of a polyfunctional polymer (ASPP), and lightweight aggregate. The lightweight aggregate is used to replace at least a portion of the standard aggregate component in finish compositions and has a density and weight that is less than sand. According to one theory it is believed that the combination of the alkali metal phosphate and alkylolammonium salt of a polyfunctional polymer may be used to stabilize the lightweight finish composition by wetting out the generally porous lightweight aggregate. “Wetting” or “wetted out” is a term common in the industry that indicates the air void volume of a solid substance or particle has been completely or substantially filled with a liquid. This wetting action allows the voids of the lightweight aggregate to be substantially filled with liquid, thereby preventing the lightweight aggregate from continually absorbing additional water from the finish composition over time. The prevention of continual water absorption over time by the lightweight aggregate according to this theory is provided by the combination of the surfactants, alkali metal phosphate and alkylolammonium salt of a polyfunctional polymer.

Therefore, without any precoating of the lightweight aggregate, a stable lightweight finish composition is produced such that one week after producing the lightweight finish composition the viscosity as measured in paste units (PU) does not measure more than about 140 paste units and does not deviate by more than about 7 paste units in subsequent measurements. In certain embodiments, the viscosity of the subject lightweight finish composition as measured at three weeks after combining the resin dispersion or emulsion, a combination of alkali metal phosphate and an alkylolammonium salt of a polyfunctional polymer, and the lightweight aggregate, does not measure more than about 140 paste units. In certain embodiments, the viscosity of the lightweight finish composition as measured at six weeks after combining the resin dispersion or emulsion, a combination of an alkali metal phosphate and an alkylolammonium salt of a polyfunctional polymer, and the lightweight aggregate is less than about 130 paste units (PU).

The lightweight finish composition is “produced” when the resin dispersion or emulsion, a combination of an alkali metal phosphate and an alkylolammonium salt of a polyfunctional polymer, and the lightweight aggregate are combined.

The properties of the lightweight aggregate can increase the coverage rate as well as improve the handling and application characteristics of the lightweight finish composition. The lightweight finish composition retains the texture, appearance and durability characteristics of existing finishes. The composition can be of various colors and is easily applied to an exterior and/or interior surface, providing uniform durable coverage and having the look and feel of the desired texture.

The lightweight finish composition can reduce the weight of a 5-gallon pail of finish coating material from 70 pounds to 45-50 pounds, yet provides the same surface area coverage rate. In certain embodiments at least 50% of the volume of the standard aggregate such as silica sand or gravel is replaced with lightweight aggregate.

Lightweight aggregates are aggregate materials that have a density and weight that is less than those of sand (which is a density less than about 22 pounds per gallon). They provide strength and in certain embodiments, texture to the finish composition. The lightweight aggregate may be at least one of perlite, vermiculite, fly ash, silica spheres, microballoons, extendospheres, expanded clay, or pumice stone powder, or the like. The lightweight aggregate is porous and may be a low absorption aggregate or a high absorption aggregate. A low absorption lightweight aggregate typically has a water absorption value of about 6% by weight or less, whereas a high absorption lightweight aggregate typically has a water absorption value of greater than about 6% by weight. In certain embodiments, the silica spheres are at least one of glass spheres or ceramic spheres, such as those available from SISCOR, Toronto, Canada. In certain embodiments, the glass spheres may be hollow silica microspheres and cellular in nature, such as those available from OMEGA MINERALS, Noderstedt, Germany. In certain embodiments, the lightweight aggregate may be uncoated, meaning that the lightweight aggregate is not treated with a water repellant or a water resistant coating. In certain embodiments, the lightweight aggregate may be an uncoated, low absorption silica glass sphere or an uncoated, high absorption silica glass sphere, or a combination thereof.

Surfactants are additives which reduce surface tension, and may form micelles to thereby improve wetting, help disperse pigments, inhibit foam, or emulsify. While not being limited to any theory, it is believed that the combination of alkali metal phosphate and alkylolammonium salt of a polyfunctional polymer surfactant lowers the surface tension of the water such that the water is able to fill the voids in the lightweight aggregate, thereby preventing further absorption of water and preventing substantial increase in the viscosity of the lightweight finish composition. In certain embodiments, the alkali metal phosphate is potassium tripoly phosphate (KTPP) and the alkylolammonium salt of a polyfunctional polymer is at least one of an alkylolammonium salt of a polyacrylate or an alkylolammonium salt of a polymethacrylate. An example of an alkylolammonium salt of a polyfunctional polymer is Disperbyk® 187 produced by BYK Chemie GmbH of Wesel, Germany.

In certain embodiments, the surfactant may comprise from about 0.05% to about 3% of alkali metal phosphate (AMP) and from about 0.05% to about 3% of alkylolammonium salt of a polyfunctional polymer (ASPP), the percentages of both components being based on the total weight of the lightweight finish composition, provided that the total amount of ASPP and AMP utilized is less than about 4.5 weight percent of the lightweight finish composition. In other embodiments, if the total amount of ASPP and AMP is greater than about 3 weight percent of the lightweight finish composition, the ratio of ASPP to AMP or the ratio of AMP to ASPP is greater than about 3:1.

The resin dispersion or emulsion, functions as the binder within the lightweight finish composition. Resin dispersions or emulsions may comprise acrylic polymers which are aqueous dispersions of polymers, copolymers, or terpolymers of acrylic acid, acrylic acid ester, methacrylic acid, methacrylic acid ester, styrene acrylic acid, styrene acrylic acid ester, acrylonitrile, non-acrylic polymers such as polyvinyl acetate, styrene butadiene or mixtures thereof. Polymers that may be used can have greater or lesser flexibility depending upon the desired properties of the final finish product. A highly flexible latex will provide, for example, an elastomeric finish.

In addition to lightweight aggregate, alkali metal phosphate, alkylolammonium salt of a polyfunctional polymer and resin dispersions or emulsions, the lightweight finish composition may also contain components such as solvents, coalescing agents, thickening agents, defoamers, preservatives, flash rust inhibitor, fillers, pigments, or standard aggregate.

A solvent is a liquid and can include odorless mineral spirits and coalescents. Solvents aid in the development and formation of a film by the polymer in the curing process of the coating. They can be used in the manufacture of a coating to dissolve or disperse the film forming constituents. After application the solvent evaporates during drying and therefore does not become part of the dried film. A coalescing agent is a solvent with a high boiling point which, when added to a coating, aids in film formation via temporary plasticization (softening) of the liquid vehicle Coalescing agents may include diethylene-glycol ethyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether acetate, hexylene glycol, and 2-butoxyethanol acetate, and the like. Suppliers of coalescents include Eastman Chemical—Perth Amboy, N.J., Dow Chemical—Midland, Mich. and Union Carbide—Houston, Tex.

Another solvent is odorless mineral spirits, which is a clear liquid solvent that is added to reduce stickiness in application. The addition of odorless mineral spirits lowers the surface tension of the coating which allows for a slower cure rate immediately after application to a surface.

A thickening agent, also referred to as a rheology modifier, is any material used to thicken a liquid and/or an additive used to thicken (increase viscosity) or modify the rheology of a coating. The thickening agent increases the viscosity of the lightweight finish composition to provide a consistency which allows the application of a single thick film or multiple applications to build up a thick film on a vertical surface. The thickening prevents sagging of the thick film of the lightweight finish composition on a vertical surface prior to set up or drying.

Thickening agents that may be used include alkali soluble emulsions, hydrophobically modified alkali soluble emulsions, alginates, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydrophobically modified hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydrophobically modified polyurethanes, and acrylic polymers such as acrylamides, and hydrophobically modified polyacrylamides. In certain embodiments thickening agents may include alkali soluble emulsions, hydrophobically modified alkali soluble emulsions, and hydroxyethyl cellulose. Suppliers of thickening agents that can be used are Rohm and Haas—Philadelphia, Pa. and Union Carbide—Houston, Tex.

A defoamer is an additive used to reduce or eliminate foam formed in a coating or a coating constituent. Examples of defoamers are mineral oil based defoamers, such as silica filled polymethylsiloxane and NOPCO®NXZ produced by Henkel Corporation—Gulph Mills, Pa. Further examples of commercially available defoamers include products available from Crucible Chemical Company—Greenville, S.C.

A preservative may be a biocide which is used to prevent spoilage caused by bacterial growth in a coating that can cause odor or produce enzymes that can break down defoamers, coalescing agents, dispersants, stabilizers and thickening agents such as cellulosic thickeners used in aqueous paints and coatings. The addition of a biocide will contribute to preventing gas formation and foul odor, along with avoiding adverse effects on viscosity and stability. Examples of preservatives are amino alcohols, such as NUOSEPT®91 produced by International Specialty Products—Wayne, N.J., DOWICIL™ 75 and DOWICIL™ QK-20 manufactured by The Dow Chemical Company—Midland, Mich. Other companies providing commercially available biocides include Troy Chemical—Hackensack, N.J. and Creallova—Piscataway, N.J. In certain embodiments, the preservative may be a fungicide or a mildewcide which may be included in the composition instead of or in addition to a biocide. The addition of a fungicide or mildewcide helps with resistance to fungal growth of the coating on the wall. Commercially available fungicides and mildewcides can be obtained from Troy Chemical—Hackensack, N.J., Creallova—Piscataway, N.J. and Rohm and Haas—Philadelphia, Pa. Other biocides and fungicides include halogenated acetylene alcohols, diphenyl mercuric dodecenyl succinate, o-phenylphenol and its sodium salt, tri-chlorophenols and their sodium salts.

A flash rust inhibitor is an additive used to inhibit the corrosion that occurs during the drying process of a water-based coating. Examples of flash rust inhibitors generally used in the industry are sodium benzoate and sodium nitrite.

Fillers/pigments are finely ground, natural or synthetic, inorganic or organic, insoluble dispersed particles (such as powder) which, when dispersed in a liquid vehicle to make a coating, may provide, in addition to color, many of the properties of the coating such as opacity, hardness, durability, etc. Additionally, fillers may be added to lower the cost of the lightweight finish composition. Fillers, also referred to as extenders, which may be used include clay, mica and wollastonite.

Clay fillers may include fine china clay/aluminum silicate fillers. For example, Kaofine™ is a coating clay that is available from the Thiele Kaolin Company of Sandersville, Ga. In addition, other commercially available clay fillers are available from Huber Engineered Materials—Atlanta, Ga. In certain embodiments, coarse fillers are used and may be calcium carbonate or silica flour of a 200-mesh size (or average of 75 microns).

In certain embodiments, colored or white pigments including mineral products which can be used as fillers and extenders may be used. Among the pigments that may be used are the various water insoluble organic and inorganic paint pigments which include, but are not limited to, iron oxides, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, phthalocyanine blue and green, lead chromate, barium sulfate, zinc sulfide, silica, calcium carbonate, chrome green, iron blues and magnesium silicate (talc). Pigment dispersing agents, including but not limited to, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, lecithin, gum Arabic, sodium silicate, various water soluble soaps, aliphatic and aromatic sulfonates, the aliphatic sulfates, various polyethers and ether alcohol concentrates and the like, may be added to enhance the dispersion of the pigments.

Standard aggregates are inert solid mineral containing materials, such as natural sand, manufactured sand, gravel, and the like. Aggregates are solid granular particles which may impart surface texture to the dried layer of the exterior finishing composition. Further, the size of the aggregate may be used to determine the minimum applied thickness of the exterior finishing composition, especially for application by trowel. Suitable aggregates include sand and stone chips such as marble chips and granite chips.

The lightweight finish composition may contain other components such as emulsifiers; dispersants; curing agents; plasticizers; fibers such as polyethylene fiber, wollastonite, cellulose fiber, and glass fiber; and pH modifiers such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, 2-methyl-1-propanol, and ammonia.

In certain embodiments the alkali metal phosphate may comprise potassium tripoly phosphate and the alkylolammonium salt of a polyfunctional polymer may comprise at least one of an alkylolammonium salt of a polyacrylate, or an alkylolammonium salt of a polymethacrylate. The lightweight aggregate may comprise at least one of perlite, vermiculite, fly ash, silica spheres, microballoons, extendospheres, expanded clay, or pumice stone powder. In certain other embodiments the silica spheres are at least one of glass spheres or ceramic spheres. The resin dispersion or emulsion, may comprise acrylic polymers which are aqueous dispersions of polymers, copolymers, or terpolymers of acrylic acid, acrylic acid ester, methacrylic acid, methacrylic acid ester, styrene acrylic acid, styrene acrylic acid ester, acrylonitrile, non-acrylic polymers such as polyvinyl acetate, styrene butadiene or mixtures thereof.

The lightweight finish composition may be used in exterior and interior applications such as multilayered exterior wall systems, including EIFS. The lightweight finish composition may be applied onto horizontal surfaces as well as vertical surfaces.

Various methods may be used to apply the lightweight finish composition including troweling, spraying with air or airless hopper guns, brushing, rolling extruding, and the like.

A “paste unit” (PU) is defined as a viscosity measurement made with a Stormer viscometer using a spindle with two thin bars extending from a central shaft.

To counter the tendency of glass spheres to absorb water and substantially thicken compositions, several samples were prepared to stabilize the lightweight finish composition by using a combination of alkali metal phosphate and alkylolammonium salt of a polyfunctional polyacrylate, to wet out the lightweight aggregate.

The samples were prepared using a ribbon blender or Schold mixer. The lightweight finish composition may be prepared by admixing the components using conventional mixing methods known in the art, including paddle type mixers, high speed dispersators, and ribbon blenders. To prepare the lightweight finish composition, water, alkali metal phosphate, alkylolammonium salt of a polyfunctional polyacrylate and glass spheres were first added to the blender/mixer followed by the components listed below. Samples S1-S10 shown below were prepared using the basic finish formulation shown in Table 1:

TABLE 1 Component Wt (lb) Vol (gal) Water 10.2 1.2 Mineral Oil Based Defoamer 0.15 0.02 Silica Spheres 11.2 3.4 Acrylic Polymer 26 2.94 Silica Sand 27 1.22 Wt (lb)—weight in pounds Vol (gal)—volume in gallons

Results of the tests for Samples S1-S10 are set forth in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Weight Weight ASPP Percent AMP Percent Initial Viscosity Viscosity Viscosity Viscosity Viscosity (gm/ ASPP (gm/ AMP Viscosity WPG 1 Day 1 week 2 weeks 3 weeks 4 weeks Sample gal) (Total) gal) (Total) (PU) lbs. (PU) (PU) (PU) (PU) (PU) S1 0 — 0 — 89 9.6 102 unstable S2 12 0.28 4 0.09 79 9.5 89 126 134 135 128 S3 16 0.38 4 0.09 82 9.4 89 132 141 140 139 S4 24 0.55 8 0.18 76 9.7 81 122 131 128 135 S5 24 0.56 0 — 79 9.4 91 139 unstable S6 12 0.27 8 0.18 76 9.7 85 136 137 138 136 S7 16 0.38 6 0.14 76 9.3 83 117 129 123 126 S8 16 0.37 8 0.19 73 9.5 79 115 120 119 119 S9 0 — 8 0.18 88 9.4 96 136 138 unstable S10 24 0.56 4 0.09 74 9.4 83 122 125 126 131 PU = paste unit WPG = weight per gallon ASPP = alkylolammonium salt of a polyfunctional polyacrylate AMP = alkali metal phosphate Gm/gal = grams per gallon

Initial viscosity of the sample finish compositions (S1-S10) is low, around 70 to 90 PU. Within a couple of days, the samples containing lightweight aggregate that had been wetted out in the presence of alkali metal phosphate and alkylolammonium salt of a polyfunctional polyacrylate (S2-S4, S6-S8, and S10) had stable viscosities over a period of time. This is in comparison to the samples that were not stable over time, which contained neither ASPP or AMP (S1); or, solely AMP (S5) or solely ASPP(S9). Samples 51, S5, and S9 were listed in Table 2 as unstable when no more measurements could be obtained, which generally indicated a viscosity of above 140 PU's.

TABLE 3 Component Wt (lb) Vol (gal) Water 10.2 1.2 Mineral Oil Based Defoamer 0.15 0.02 Silica Spheres 11.2 3.4 Acrylic Polymer 26 2.94 Silica Sand 27 1.22 ASPP 0.6 0.07 AMP 0.3 0.01 Wt (lb)—weight in pounds Vol (gal)—volume in gallons ASPP = alkylolammonium salt of a polyfunctional polyacrylate AMP = alkali metal phosphate

All samples tested in Table 4 were prepared as described with respect to Samples S1-S10 and contained the finish formulation shown in Table 3. Application testing of the textured finish compositions described in Table 3 showed good application properties and texture.

TABLE 4 Samples S11 S12 S13 Initial Visc. 71 PU 83 PU 87 PU PH 10.1 10.1 10.1 WPG 9.5 8.9 9.9 Drying Time RT 4 hrs 6 hrs 4 hrs 40 F. 16 hrs 18.5 hrs 16 hrs Wash-off (40 F.) Pass pass Pass Coverage per ft² 0.35 lbs. 0.38 lbs. 0.33 lbs. per 45 lbs. 129 ft² 118 ft² 136 ft² per 50 lbs. 143 ft² 132 ft² 152 ft² Storage Stability   1 day 79 PU 91 PU 100 PU   1 week 120 PU 129 PU 127 PU   2 weeks 119 PU 127 PU 129 PU   3 weeks 117 PU 125 PU 125 PU   4 weeks 121 PU 132 PU 126 PU Water Absorption 24 hrs 12.2% 14.1% 12.5% 48 hrs 12.5% 14.4% 12.7% Water Pick Up (lb./ft²) 0.5 hr. 0.0610 0.0729 0.0647   1 hr. 0.0719 0.0883 0.0741   2 hr. 0.0801 0.0985 0.0838   3 hr. 0.0834 0.1051 0.0868   4 hr. 0.0873 0.1071 0.0903   5 hr. 0.0893 0.1108 0.0916   6 hr. 0.0895 0.1098 0.0926   7 hr. 0.0879 0.1083 0.0909   8 hr. 0.0873 0.1049 0.0901  24 hr. 0.0805 0.0911 0.0844  48 hr. 0.0877 0.0938 0.0885 RT = room temperature WPG = weight per gallon PU = paste unit

The samples (S11-S13) maintained a low viscosity over time with little increase in PU noted after 1 week of storage. Additionally, the coverage per square foot (ft²) of the samples was improved over finish compositions containing standard aggregate, which average 0.5 pounds per ft² coverage.

Sample finishes S14 to S30 shown below in Table 7 were prepared and tested as described with respect to Samples S1-S10 with varying amounts of potassium alkali metal phosphate and alkylolammonium salt of a polyfunctional polymer. The basic finish formulation utilized for sample finishes S14-S30 is shown below in Table 5.

TABLE 5 Component Wt (lb) % by Wt Water ~114 to ~175  ~9.5 to ~16.5 Liquid Defoamer ~1.25 to ~1.86 ~0.13 to ~0.15 Inorganic Thickener ~10 to ~15 ~1.0 to ~1.2 Silica Spheres  ~95 to ~145 ~9.5 to ~12  Acrylic Polymer - Thickener ~6.5 to ~20  ~0.65 to ~1.5  Acrylic Polymer - Binder ~225 to ~320 ~22 to ~25 Coalescing Agent ~3.3 to ~7.2 ~0.3 to ~0.6 Solvent   ~3 to ~4.4 ~0.3 Calcium Carbonate ~150 to ~240 ~15 to ~20 Silica Sand ~215 to ~310 ~22 to ~25 Wt (lb)—weight in pounds % by Wt—percent by weight of the finish composition

Sample finishes S31-S46 shown below in Table 7 were prepared as described with respect to Samples S1-S10 with varying amounts of potassium alkali metal phosphate and alkylolammonium salt of a polyfunctional polymer. The basic finish formulation utilized for sample finishes S30-S46 is shown below in Table 6.

TABLE 6 Component Wt (lb) % by Wt. Water ~114 to ~167 ~11.4 to ~16.7 Liquid Defoamer ~1.4 ~0.14 Solvent ~11.7 ~1.17 Silica Spheres ~104.5 ~10.45 Acrylic Polymer - Thickener ~15.0 ~1.5 Acrylic Polymer - Binder ~245 ~25.0 Coalescing Agent ~4.5 ~0.45 Solvent ~3.4 ~0.3 Calcium Carbonate ~164 ~16.4 Silica Sand ~237.5 ~23.75 Wt (lb)—weight in pounds % by Wt—percent by weight of the finish composition

The sample finishes of Tables 5 and 6 included potassium tripolyphosphate as the alkali metal phosphate component and Disperbyk® 187 as the alkylolammonium salt of a polyfunctional polymer. Each sample contained a specific amount of alkali metal phosphate and alkylolammonium salt of a polyfunctional polymer that was measured in weight percent by total weight of the lightweight finish composition. Also, each sample finish was prepared with one of two different types of lightweight glass aggregates which are labeled in Table 5 as “Aggregate 1”, “Aggregate 2”, and “Aggregate 3”. “Aggregate 1” and “Aggregate 3” were uncoated, high absorption glass silica spheres while “Aggregate 2” was an uncoated, low absorption glass silica sphere. Uncoated, as used herein, means that the aggregate was not treated with a water repellant or a water-resistant coating.

Samples S14-S30 include samples having specific amounts of a combination of ASPP and AMP used with an uncoated, high absorption lightweight glass aggregate, “Aggregate 1”, and corresponding samples containing the same amounts of ASPP and AMP used with an uncoated, low absorption lightweight glass aggregate, “Aggregate 2”. Likewise, samples S31-S46 include samples having specific amounts of a combination of ASPP and AMP used with an uncoated, low absorption lightweight glass aggregate “Aggregate 2” and corresponding samples containing the same amounts of ASPP and AMP used with an uncoated, high absorption glass aggregate, “Aggregate 3”.

TABLE 7 Vis- Vis- Vis- Vis- Vis- Vis- Vis- Vis- cosity cosity cosity cosity cosity cosity cosity cosity ASPP AMP Initial Viscosity 1 Day 2 3 4 5 6 7 (wt (wt ASPP + Viscosity Day 3 Week 10 Weeks Weeks Weeks Weeks Weeks Weeks Sample Agg. %) %) ASPP:AMP AMP (PU) (PU) (PU) (PU) (PU) (PU) (PU) (PU) (PU) (PU) S14 1 1.5 1.5 1.0 3.0 58 >140 S15 2 1.5 1.5 1.0 3.0 60  71 88 104 >140 S16 1 3.00 0.24 12.5 3.24 71  80 80 82 83 83 88 89 89 S17 2 3.00 0.24 12.5 3.24 70  74 76 76 78 78 81 79 82 S18 1 0.24 3.00 0.08 3.24 73  100 107 111 114 120 132 134 139 S19 2 0.24 3.00 0.08 3.24 71  87 90 91 101 98 99 100 101 S20 1 5.00 0.24 20.8 5.24 73 >140 S21 2 5.00 0.24 20.8 5.24 77  88 >140 S22 1 0.24 5.00 0.05 5.24 92 >140 S23 2 0.24 5.00 0.05 5.24 96  106 >140 S24 1 0.24 0.24 1.0 0.48 62 74 84 90 94 95 95 S25 2 0.24 0.24 1.0 0.48 54  57 63 63 62 63 64 65 67 S26 2 0.05 0.05 1.0 0.10 99  107 115 123 123 124 125 126 S27 1 1.00 3.00 0.33 4.0 63 >140 S28 2 1.00 3.00 0.33 4.0 74 >140 S29 1 3.00 1.00 3.0 4.0 70 >140 S30 2 3.00 1.00 3.0 4.0 83  88 92 92 93 93 94 96 S31 2 0.05 0.05 1.0 0.10 68  75^((b)) 83 86 89 91 91 91 S32 3 0.05 0.05 1.0 0.10 75  93^((c)) 97 102 100 102 S33 2 3.00 3.00 1.0 6.0 90 >140^((a)) S34 3 3.00 3.00 1.0 6.0 100 >140^((a)) S35 2 1.53 0.79 1.94 2.31 55  62^((a)) 69 73 76 80 78 80 S36 3 1.53 0.79 1.94 2.31 60  77^((c)) 81 88 88 93 96 S37 2 3.00 0.05 60.00 3.05 71 83 84 88 90 88 93 S38 3 3.00 0.05 60.00 3.05 76  88^((c)) 91 95 99 102 104 S39 2 0.05 3.00 0.02 3.05 62 77 83 84 85 86 88 S40 3 0.05 3.00 0.02 3.05 72  88^((c)) 90 96 97 98 101 S41 2 0.05 0.05 1.00 0.10 71  75^((b)) 86 90 93 91 94 94 S42 3 0.05 0.05 1.00 0.10 74  95^((c)) 96 100 101 102 105 S43 2 3.00 0.05 60.00 3.05 67  81^((b)) 84 86 90 87 92 92 S44 3 3.00 0.05 60.00 3.05 78  93^((c)) 94 98 99 102 103 S45 2 1.53 3.00 0.51 4.53 70 >140^((a)) S46 3 1.53 3.00 0.51 4.53 85 >140^((a)) PU = paste unit ASPP = alkylolammonium salt of a polyfunctional polymer AMP = alkali metal phosphate Agg. 1 = high absorption glass aggregate (uncoated) Agg. 2 = low absorption glass aggregate (uncoated) Agg. 3 = high absorption glass aggregate (uncoated) ^((a))= Viscosity after 1 day testing ^((b))= Viscosity after 2 days testing ^((c))= Viscosity after 5 days testing

The results set forth in Table 7 indicate that the lightweight finish composition exhibits a stable viscosity (less than 140 paste units) with a broad range of amounts of AMP and ASPP within the lightweight finish composition. For example, samples S16 and S17, which included 3% ASPP by weight of the lightweight finish composition, exhibited a stable viscosity after six weeks of testing. Samples 18 and 19, which included 3% AMP by weight of the lightweight finish composition, also exhibited a stable viscosity after six weeks of testing. In fact, Sample 18 was stable up to 11 weeks after testing. Sample 26, which included 0.05% AMP and 0.05% ASPP by weight of the lightweight finish composition, also exhibited a stable viscosity after six weeks of testing.

In general, variations in the viscosity of the samples over time can be attributed to the amounts of ASPP and AMP utilized in each particular sample. With regard to the amounts of ASPP and AMP utilized, samples which contained a total amount of ASPP and AMP of 4.53 weight percent or greater had a viscosity of greater than 140 paste units before three weeks had passed. For example, samples S20-S23, S33-S34, and S45-S46 all contained a total amount of ASPP and AMP of 4.53 weight percent or greater and had a viscosity of greater than 140 paste units before three weeks had passed.

The amount of ASPP and AMP utilized and the ratio of ASPP:AMP may also have an effect on the stability of the lightweight finish composition under certain conditions. For example, among stable compositions, it was discovered that if the total amount of ASPP and AMP is greater than about 3 weight percent of the lightweight finish composition, the ratio of ASPP to AMP or the ratio of AMP to ASPP is greater than about 3:1. Samples S14-S15 and S33-S34 had a total amount of ASPP and AMP of about 3 weight percent or greater and had a ratio of ASPP to AMP and a ratio of AMP to ASPP of less than 3:1. These samples all exhibited a viscosity of greater than 140 paste units by two weeks. Samples S24-S26, S31-S32, and S41-S42 which had a total amount of ASPP and AMP of less than 3 weight percent and a ratio of ASPP to AMP or AMP to ASPP of less than 3:1 were stable after at least four weeks.

A lightweight finish composition is provided comprising lightweight aggregate wetted out by the combination of an alkali metal phosphate (AMP) and an alkylolammonium salt of a polyfunctional polymer (ASPP), wherein the AMP is present in an amount of from about 0.05% to about 3% and the ASPP is present in an amount of from about 0.05% to about 3% by weight of the lightweight finish composition, wherein the total amount of ASPP and AMP utilized is less than about 4.5 weight percent of the lightweight finish composition, with the proviso that if the total amount of ASPP and AMP is greater than about 3 weight percent of the lightweight finish composition, the ratio of ASPP to AMP or the ratio of AMP to ASPP is greater than about 3:1; and, a resin dispersion or emulsion, wherein the combination of the ASPP and the AMP provides stability to the lightweight finish composition by wetting out the lightweight aggregate such that three weeks after producing the lightweight finish composition, the viscosity as measured in paste units (PU) does not measure more than about 140 paste units.

A method of producing a lightweight finish composition is provided comprising combining lightweight aggregate with a combination of an alkali metal phosphate (AMP) and an alkylolammonium salt of a polyfunctional polymer (ASPP) to form a lightweight aggregate wetted out by the combination of the alkali metal phosphate and the alkylolammonium salt of a polyfunctional polymer, wherein the AMP is present in an amount of from about 0.05% to about 3% and the ASPP is present in an amount of from about 0.05% to about 3% by weight of the lightweight finish composition, provided that the total amount of ASPP and AMP utilized is less than about 4.5 weight percent of the lightweight finish composition, with the proviso that if the total amount of ASPP and AMP is greater than about 3 weight percent of the lightweight finish composition, the ratio of ASPP to AMP or the ratio of AMP to ASPP is greater than about 3:1; and, combining the wetted out lightweight aggregate with a resin dispersion or emulsion to produce the lightweight finish composition.

A method of finishing a wall is provided comprising the steps of combining lightweight aggregate with a combination of an alkali metal phosphate and an alkylolammonium salt of a polyfunctional polymer to form a lightweight aggregate wetted out by the combination of the alkali metal phosphate and the alkylolammonium salt of a polyfunctional polymer, wherein the AMP is present in an amount of from about 0.05% to about 3% and the ASPP is present in an amount of from about 0.05% to about 3% by weight of the lightweight finish composition, provided that the total amount of ASPP and AMP utilized is less than about 4.5 weight percent of the lightweight finish composition, with the proviso that if the total amount of ASPP and AMP is greater than about 3 weight percent of the lightweight finish composition, the ratio of ASPP to AMP or the ratio of AMP to ASPP is greater than about 3:1; combining the wetted out lightweight aggregate with a resin dispersion or emulsion to produce a lightweight finish composition; and, applying the lightweight finish composition to the wall.

It will be understood that the embodiment(s) described herein is/are merely exemplary, and that one skilled in the art may make variations and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All such variations and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as described hereinabove. Further, all embodiments disclosed are not necessarily in the alternative, as various embodiments may be combined to provide the desired result. 

1. A lightweight finish composition comprising: a) lightweight aggregate wetted out by the combination of an alkali metal phosphate (AMP) and an alkylolammonium salt of a polyfunctional polymer (ASPP) wherein the AMP is present in an amount of from about 0.05% to about 3% and the ASPP is present in an amount of from about 0.05% to about 3% by weight of the lightweight finish composition, wherein the total amount of ASPP and AMP utilized is less than about 4.5 weight percent of the lightweight finish composition, with the proviso that if the total amount of ASPP and AMP is greater than about 3 weight percent of the lightweight finish composition, the ratio of ASPP to AMP or the ratio of AMP to ASPP is greater than about 3:1; and, b) a resin dispersion or emulsion, wherein the combination of the ASPP and the AMP provides stability to the lightweight finish composition by wetting out the lightweight aggregate such that three weeks after producing the lightweight finish composition, the viscosity as measured in paste units (PU) does not measure more than about 140 paste units.
 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the alkali metal phosphate is potassium tripoly phosphate.
 3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the alkylolammonium salt of a polyfunctional polymer is at least one of an alkylolammonium salt of a polyacrylate or an alkylolammonium salt of a polymethacrylate.
 4. The composition of claim 1, wherein the lightweight aggregate is at least one of perlite, vermiculite, fly ash, silica spheres, microballoons, extendospheres, expanded clay, pumice stone powder or combinations thereof.
 5. The composition of claim 4, wherein the silica spheres are at least one of glass spheres or ceramic spheres.
 6. The composition of claim 4, wherein the lightweight aggregate is not treated with a water-repellant or a water resistant coating.
 7. The composition of claim 1, wherein the resin dispersion or emulsion comprises at least one of an acrylic polymer, a non-acrylic polymer or mixtures thereof; wherein the acrylic polymer, if present, is at least one of acrylic acid, acrylic acid ester, methacrylic acid, methacrylic acid ester, styrene acrylic acid, styrene acrylic acid ester, acrylonitrile or mixtures thereof; and, the non-acrylic polymer, if present, is at least one of polyvinyl acetate, styrene butadiene or mixtures thereof.
 8. The composition of claim 1, further comprising at least one of emulsifiers, curing agents, dispersants, plasticizers, fibers, thickening agents, coalescing agents, pH modifiers, defoamers, rust inhibitors, fillers, pigments, pigment dispersing agents, solvents, or preservatives.
 9. The composition of claim 1, wherein after six weeks from combining the alkali metal phosphate, alkylolammonium salt of a polyfunctional polymer, lightweight aggregate and resin dispersion or emulsion, the viscosity of the unset composition is less than about 130 paste units.
 10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition has a weight of about 45 to about 50 pounds per 5 gallons volume.
 11. A method of producing a lightweight finish composition comprising: a) combining lightweight aggregate with a combination of an alkali metal phosphate (AMP) and an alkylolammonium salt of a polyfunctional polymer (ASPP) to form a lightweight aggregate wetted out by the combination of the alkali metal phosphate and the alkylolammonium salt of a polyfunctional polymer, wherein the AMP is present in an amount of from about 0.05% to about 3% and the ASPP is present in an amount of from about 0.05% to about 3% by weight of the lightweight finish composition, provided that the total amount of ASPP and AMP utilized is less than about 4.5 weight percent of the lightweight finish composition, with the proviso that if the total amount of ASPP and AMP is greater than about 3 weight percent of the lightweight finish composition, the ratio of ASPP to AMP or the ratio of AMP to ASPP is greater than about 3:1; and, b) combining the wetted out lightweight aggregate with a resin dispersion or emulsion to produce the lightweight finish composition.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the alkali metal phosphate is potassium tripoly phosphate.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the alkylolammonium salt of a polyfunctional polymer is at least one of an alkylolammonium salt of a polyacrylate or an alkylolammonium salt of a polymethacrylate.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the lightweight aggregate is at least one of perlite, vermiculite, fly ash, silica spheres, microballoons, extendospheres, expanded clay, pumice stone powder or combinations thereof, optionally, wherein the lightweight aggregate is not treated with a water-repellant or a water resistant coating.
 15. The method of claim 12, wherein the lightweight aggregate is uncoated silica glass spheres.
 16. The method of claim 11, wherein the resin dispersion or emulsion comprises at least one of an acrylic polymer, a non-acrylic polymer or mixtures thereof; wherein the acrylic polymer, if present, is at least one of acrylic acid, acrylic acid ester, methacrylic acid, methacrylic acid ester, styrene acrylic acid, styrene acrylic acid ester, acrylonitrile or mixtures thereof; and, the non-acrylic polymer, if present, is at least one of polyvinyl acetate, styrene butadiene or mixtures thereof.
 17. A method of finishing a wall comprising the steps of: a) combining lightweight aggregate with a combination of an alkali metal phosphate and an alkylolammonium salt of a polyfunctional polymer to form a lightweight aggregate wetted out by the combination of the alkali metal phosphate and the alkylolammonium salt of a polyfunctional polymer wherein the AMP is present in an amount of from about 0.05% to about 3% and the ASPP is present in an amount of from about 0.05% to about 3% by weight of the lightweight finish composition, provided that the total amount of ASPP and AMP utilized is less than about 4.5 weight percent of the lightweight finish composition, with the proviso that if the total amount of ASPP and AMP is greater than about 3 weight percent of the lightweight finish composition, the ratio of ASPP to AMP or the ratio of AMP to ASPP is greater than about 3:1; b) combining the wetted out lightweight aggregate with a resin dispersion or emulsion to produce a lightweight finish composition; and, c) applying the lightweight finish composition to the wall.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the alkali metal phosphate is potassium tripoly phosphate.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the alkylolammonium salt of a polyfunctional polymer is at least one of an alkylolammonium salt of a polyacrylate or an alkylolammonium salt of a polymethacrylate.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the lightweight aggregate is at least one of perlite, vermiculite, fly ash, silica spheres, microballoons, extendospheres, expanded clay, pumice stone powder or combinations thereof, optionally, wherein the lightweight aggregate is not treated with a water-repellant or a water resistant coating.
 21. The method of claim 17, wherein the lightweight aggregate is uncoated silica glass spheres.
 22. The method of claim 17, wherein the resin dispersion or emulsion, comprises at least one of an acrylic polymer, a non-acrylic polymer or mixtures thereof; wherein the acrylic polymer, if present, is at least one of acrylic acid, acrylic acid ester, methacrylic acid, methacrylic acid ester, styrene acrylic acid, styrene acrylic acid ester, acrylonitrile or mixtures thereof; and, the non-acrylic polymer, if present, is at least one of polyvinyl acetate, styrene butadiene or mixtures thereof. 